Search engines and directories

Registration of your site with the top search engines and directories is almost a prerequisite if your site is to be visible on the World Wide Web.

However, registration (although time-consuming and somewhat tedious) is the easy bit.

Consider this:-

The British Tourist Authority has a massive high-tech (and high cost) site with a vast database of accommodation. Most good B&B establishments in England (including Limeyards Stables B&B when it was operating) are registered with them through the English Tourism Council.

Try a search with a fairly wide query string such as 'bed breakfast derbyshire' in your favourite search engine (try Google, Alta Vista, MSN or Excite). A very large number of sites will be returned - there are jillions of B&Bs in Derbyshire. But even today, on the first page you will usually see Limeyards Stables. Now if you have plenty of time and patience, try scrolling down through the pages looking for the BTA site.

Let us know if you ever see the BTA website referred to, never mind a Limeyards Stables entry. We never did!

The lessons are clear

Firstly . .

Subscribing to a number of large directories may not be such a good idea. Apart from being expensive with all the recurring fees, if anyone does find you by this means, they will also have found all your competitors, and all the entries look the same!

Secondly . .

You don't have to be big to be visible, although it can help. Your site just has to be designed by someone with a good understanding of the way that search engines work.

There aren't any tricks to ensure high placings with the search engines, so don't believe anyone who claims to know them. It only comes from understanding and by close attention to detail in all areas of design. And it doesn't happen overnight.

Also . .

To be successful, you need to differentiate yourself from your competitors. With your own bespoke website you can make your mark and stand out from the crowd.

So if you really care about maximising your visibility - and who wouldn't? - talk to Limeyard Associates.